Get the Lowdown on STIs

Sexually Transmitted Infections are caused by certain bacteria, viruses, or parasites that are spread by sexual activity. They don’t all act the same—so treatments are tailored to each. Having an STI doesn’t make someone “dirty” or a “bad person”. There are often no symptoms, so someone could have or pass on an infection without even knowing it.

Chlamydia is a very common sexually transmitted infection (STI). It is caused by a bacteria, so it can easily be cured with antibiotics.

Symptoms: Most people have no symptoms.

Risks: May cause a serious and painful infection that may lead to hospitalization. Both men and women can lose the ability to have children. It can easily spread it to someone else without anyone knowing.

Treatment: can be as easy as 2 pills. However, in some cases, healthcare providers might prescribe a week’s worth of antibiotics. Infection will be clear within 7 days, but sexual activity should be avoided during this time to prevent spreading chlamydia to anyone else.

Gonorrhea is a common STI, especially among those ages 15-24. It is caused by a bacteria; it can usually be cured with antibiotics.

Symptoms: Most people have no symptoms.

Risks: May cause a serious and painful infection that may lead to hospitalization. Both men and women can lose the ability to have children. It can easily spread it to someone else without anyone knowing.

Treatment: can be as easy as 2 pills and a shot. However, in some cases, healthcare providers might prescribe a week’s worth of antibiotics. Infection will be clear within 7 days, but sexual activity should be avoided during this time to prevent spreading gonorrhea to anyone else.

HPV is the most common STI in the United States. For many people it goes away on its own, but for some it can cause other health problems. It is caused by a virus.

Symptoms: Most people who get HPV never develop symptoms or know they are infected. Some people find out about the infection if they develop genital warts.

Risks:Some strains of the virus can cause genital warts or cancer later in life.

Treatment: HPV is not curable with medication. However, some strains that can cause health problems are preventable with a vaccine. Both men and women can and should get this vaccine, so talk to a healthcare provider.

HIVis a sexually transmitted infection caused by a virus that attacks the immune system. It is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). It is spread through sexual activity, but can also be spread other ways, such as sharing needles.

Symptoms:Most have no symptoms and can go a long time without knowing they are infected. Symptoms may include: flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, rash, night sweats, muscle aches, sore throat, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, or mouth sores) 2-4 weeks after infection. The only way to know for sure is by getting tested.

Risks: If left untreated, HIV can progress into AIDS more quickly. Those who have HIV/AIDS and do not treat it have a suppressed immune system and are more susceptible to infection, or get sick more easily. People with HIV/AIDS who don’t know they have it can spread it to others.

Treatment: There is no cure. Current medications can allow people with HIV to live long, healthy lives. It is important to get tested early to start treatment as soon as possible and avoid spreading the infection to anyone else.

Exposure and prevention: If you think you have been — or will be — exposed to HIV (for example if you’ve had sexual activity with someone who is positive) there are drugs that can reduce your risk of becoming infected if taken within 72 hours of exposure. These drugs are not 100% guaranteed, so always use a condom. Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider for more information. PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis can has been shown to reduce the risk of infection in people over 18. If you’d like more information about PrEP or how to access it, click here, here, or here.

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by a bacteria. If not treated, it can cause long term damage.

Symptoms: Many people who have syphilis have no symptoms or very mild symptoms. The most common symptom early on is a firm, round, painless sore called a “chancre.” However, syphilis can look like many other infections or conditions.

Risks: If left untreated, syphilis can cause a lot of damage to the body over time, including paralysis (unable to move certain muscles), blindness, dementia, damage to internal organs, and even death.

Treatment: It is usually cured with a shot of penicillin (antibiotics). However, it will not undo any damage to the body the infection has already done.

Trich (“trick”) is a very common sexually transmitted infection. It is caused by a tiny parasite that can infect the body.

Symptoms: Many people do not know they have trichomoniasis, and symptoms can come and go. Symptoms can be mild irritation, abnormal discharge (vaginal or from penis), and discomfort or more severe swelling.

Risks: Untreated trich may make a person more likely to contract another STI.

Hepatitis B and C are infections that affect a person’s liver. While there are several ways the virus can spread, one of them is through sex.

Symptoms: Many people who have hepatitis have no symptoms or very mild ones. Those who do have symptoms might have a fever, feel tired, lose their appetite, or have abdominal pain.

Risks: While some people’s bodies can clear the infection on their own, some people will develop a chronic infection. These people are at risk for more serious health problems such as liver failure, liver cancer, or death.

Treatment: Medication exists to treat Hepatitis C and should be started as soon as possible. There is currently no medication to treat Hepatitis B. However, there is a vaccine a person can get to prevent getting Hepatitis B.